Chinese wedding culture

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Chinese wedding culture is rich in symbolism and customs. Although some customs are no longer common in 2010, modern couples still incorporate some traditional elements into their wedding ceremonies and choice of dress.

1. History

   • An impartial "go between" traditionally initiated and negotiated the pending nuptials between two families. After the boy's parents chose a potential bride, the third party presented the girl's family with gifts and a marriage offer. If accepted, the boy's parents consulted an astrologer to determine whether the match contained any bad omens. If deemed acceptable, the boy's information passed to the bride's family. The two families met only upon mutual acceptance.

   Ceremony

   • In Chinese wedding culture, a tea ceremony is the traditional marriage ceremony. During the ceremony, the bride and groom kneel three times. They kneel to heaven and earth, the ancestral table and parents, and to each other, according to China Bridal. In modern practice, the couple bows instead of kneels. The bride then serves tea to the parents and family members in order of seniority. The ceremony concludes with the guests giving the bride gifts of money and jewelry in red envelopes.

   Significance

   • Chinese brides traditionally wear a red dress. The belief is that the color keeps away evil spirits and brings good luck. During traditional times, the bride also wore a red veil that remained until the wedding night when the couple first saw each other.

   Gifts

   • Traditionally, guests give money to the bridal couple even in the early 21st century, according to Wedding Channel. The well-wishers place money in red envelopes and either give them directly to the bride and groom or drop them into a specified box at the wedding.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Chinese wedding, Chinese wedding culture, wedding culture, bride groom, each other